The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 153

Willow’s smile faded completely. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her voice quivered on the verge of sobs.

“I see,” Willow murmured softly, her voice barely audible.

Willow stepped aside meekly, making way for Athena to pass.

Athena looked bewildered. “What do they want with me?”

She thought, ‘Michael has barely stepped into the Monson family when he summoned me. What the hell is he scheming

now?‘

The steward shook his head. “I don’t know either,” he said, “but from what Lord Osborne indicated, he has a significant announcement to make.”

This unexpected summons left everyone bewildered, while Willow’s heart was in even greater turmoil.

Willow longed to follow, but fear of Eloise’s reproach held her back.

Athena knitted her brows, her eyes burning with impatience. “Lead the way,” she commanded.

Athena sneered inwardly, ‘Let’s see if Michael can actually say something decent for once!‘

As she watched Athena head toward the front courtyard, tears finally fell from Willow’s eyes.

Nona Melton, her maid, protested indignantly, “Miss, why must you endure this? You’re the one marrying Lord Osborne. How could they keep you from going? I think you should go and see what’s happening. Even if Mrs. Monson finds out, she won’t say anything. She dotes on you, after all.”

“But… Mother didn’t summon me,” Willow said, her voice barely above a whisper, looking meek and obedient.

“Perhaps she simply forgot, Miss. Don’t worry, I’m right here with you,” Nona fumed. She just couldn’t stand Athena’s haughty attitude.

She thought, ‘Miss Willow went out of her way to greet Miss Athena so politely, but Miss Athena just treats her like an

enemy.

‘If I don’t keep looking out for Miss Willow, I’m afraid Miss Athena will snatch this marriage right out from under her.‘

Athena followed the steward to the front courtyard. Entering the main hall, she saw Henry and Eloise seated, while Michael sat across from them with a darkened expression.

Henry and Eloise exchanged furtive glances, each lost in their own thoughts as they tried to discern Michael’s purpose for visiting today.

But since he arrived, he hadn’t uttered a single word.

What was

even

strang was that he had the steward summon Athena.

After a brief consideration, Eloise turned to Michael with a courteous smile. “Might I inquire what brings you here today, Lord Osborne?”

Eloise felt a flicker of displeasure. She thought, “This is Willow’s wedding to Michael. Why bring Athena into this?‘

The sound of footsteps in the courtyard seemed to trigger something in Michael. His gaze lifted instinctively toward the

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entrance.

Athena stepped into the room in a flowing blue gown. The dress’s perfect tailoring accentuated her slender waist, highlighting her graceful poise and unique elegance.

Her expression was icy, as if the entire world was beneath her notice.

Her silhouette sent a sudden pang through his chest.

An indescribable ache welled up from his heart and spread through him.

The girl who once followed him everywhere now looked at him as if he were a complete stranger.

In Athena’s heart, Michael was already nothing but an enemy.

Michael felt a pang of guilt. If it weren’t for him, Athena wouldn’t have suffered so much.

But today, he came seeking redemption.

No matter what it took, he was determined to rescue Athena from this living hell.

Athena’s stomach twisted when she caught the redemptive look in Michael’s eyes, a sense of foreboding gripped her. Sure enough, the next moment, Michael’s voice rang out. “Athena and I grew up together. I can’t just stand by and watch her be cast into misery. After much deliberation, I have a solution.”

Without even glancing at Athena, Michael fixed his gaze on Henry and Eloise, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I will take Athena as my second wife, on equal standing with Willow. Neither shall outrank the other. This is the best solution.”